Summary
Fletcher Priest Architects secured approval for a 10-story office redevelopment at 25 Monument Street in London. The project involves overhauling a 1970s office block and incorporating a visitor center for the Monument to the Great Fire of London. The new design prioritizes sustainability, aiming for a BREEAM Outstanding rating.
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** Main Story**
Monument Office Transformation Gets Green Light
Fletcher Priest Architects have received approval for their ambitious plan to revitalize a 1970s office building located at 25 Monument Street in London, the historical site of the Great Fire of London’s origin. The 10-story design, approved through delegated powers last month, promises a modern and sustainable workspace while also integrating a visitor center for the nearby Monument to the Great Fire of London. The project is backed by a Cyprus-based investor, with M3 serving as development manager.
A Sustainable and Striking Design
The cube-shaped structure showcases a spiral of garden terraces ascending six stories, beginning on Pudding Lane and gracefully cascading towards the Monument. This innovative design aims to enhance the setting of the historic column, erected in the 1670s to commemorate the devastating fire, by partially restoring the original piazza surrounding it. A new public square facing the Monument will also serve as the main entrance to the office space.
Eco-Conscious Construction
The all-electric building strives for a BREEAM Outstanding rating, showcasing its commitment to sustainability. Roof-mounted air source heat pumps will provide efficient heating and cooling, while the retention of the existing basement, preserving approximately 30% of the current building’s mass, minimizes embodied carbon.
Historical Significance
Faryners House, named after Thomas Farriner, whose bakery on Pudding Lane ignited the Great Fire in September 1666, stands as a poignant reminder of London’s resilience. The fire consumed nearly 80% of the City, leaving an indelible mark on its history. This redevelopment seeks to honor this history while ushering in a new era of sustainable and innovative workspace.
Project Team and Timeline
An accomplished team of experts supports the project, including T&T Alinea (cost management), Gerald Eve (planning), Ramboll (MEP engineering), AKT II (structural and civil engineering), Camlins (landscape architecture), Arup (transport planning), and GIA (daylight analysis). The proposals, submitted in May of the previous year, outline the transformation of the existing seven-story structure into 13,338 sq m of premium office space and a 339 sq m visitor center. This project marks another step forward in London’s ongoing urban development, seamlessly blending historical context with contemporary design.
Changes to UK Building Regulations: A Broader Context
This project coincides with significant changes to UK building regulations, emphasizing safety and sustainability. The Building Safety Act 2022, enacted following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, introduces stricter regulations for high-rise buildings, focusing on accountability and enhanced safety measures.
Key Changes and Impacts:
- Dutyholder Responsibilities: The Act clarifies the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in a building’s lifecycle, from design and construction to management.
- New Building Control Systems: More stringent building control processes, particularly for high-rise residential buildings, are now in place.
- The Golden Thread of Information: Digital records of building information must be maintained throughout a building’s lifespan, ensuring transparency and accessibility of crucial safety details.
- Focus on Fire Safety: Amendments to fire safety regulations enhance fire prevention and protection measures in all types of buildings.
- Sustainability: New building regulations also address energy efficiency and carbon emissions, aligning with the UK’s net-zero targets.
Navigating the Changing Landscape:
Developers, architects, and construction professionals must navigate these evolving regulations to ensure compliance and build safer, more sustainable structures. The Monument Street office redevelopment exemplifies this approach, incorporating sustainable design principles and meeting the latest safety standards. This project reflects a broader trend in the UK construction industry, demonstrating a commitment to responsible building practices for a more resilient future. As of June 8, 2025, this information represents the current status of UK building regulations and the Monument Street project, though further updates and amendments are possible in the future.
A visitor center for the Great Fire, eh? Will they be offering complimentary marshmallows for toasting? Perhaps a historically accurate recreation with tiny, flammable bakeries? Asking for a friend… who *really* likes marshmallows.
That’s a deliciously wicked idea! A historically accurate recreation might be pushing it, but themed marshmallows for the visitor center would be a fun, albeit slightly ironic, way to engage with the Great Fire’s history. We’ll pitch it to the team! Maybe s’mores on the roof terrace?
Editor: FocusNews.Uk
Thank you to our Sponsor Focus 360 Energy
Given the project’s commitment to sustainability, how will the embodied carbon of the new visitor center’s construction be offset, particularly considering the historical significance of the site and its connection to a devastating fire?
That’s a great question! Addressing the embodied carbon is a key priority. We’re exploring several strategies, including using locally sourced, reclaimed materials and investing in carbon offsetting programs specifically focused on urban forestry projects within London. We’ll share more details as the project progresses. Thanks for raising this important point!
Editor: FocusNews.Uk
Thank you to our Sponsor Focus 360 Energy
Given the commitment to preserving 30% of the existing structure, were alternative design options explored that might have increased this percentage, further minimizing embodied carbon? What factors influenced the final decision on this specific retention level?
That’s a really insightful question! Exploring different retention levels was definitely part of the process. Factors included structural integrity assessments of the existing building and balancing that with the design goals for the new visitor center and office spaces. The team aimed for the optimal balance between preservation and innovation to achieve the BREEAM Outstanding rating.
Editor: FocusNews.Uk
Thank you to our Sponsor Focus 360 Energy
The integration of the visitor center into the office redevelopment is a fantastic way to connect the site’s history with its future. I’m curious, were there any specific challenges in designing a modern office space that also respectfully acknowledges the Great Fire’s legacy through the visitor center?